Box frame assembly

ABSTRACT

The elongated box frame structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of frame segments attached to at least one end piece. Preferably, two end pieces are attached, one at each end of the plurality of frame segments. The plurality of frame segments are attached to the end piece such that a column-like structure is formed. The inner space defined within the frame segments can be substantially free of webbing. Structural strength and stability is generally achieved by the bridging support of the attached end pieces.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/659,059 filed Sep. 9, 2003, entitled, “BOX FRAME ASSEMBLY”,which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/953,111 filed Sep. 13, 2001, entitled, “BOX FRAME ASSEMBLY”,each of the referenced application disclosures fully incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to displays, and in particular, to anelongated box frame assembly for use in display exhibit configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the construction of exhibit and display stands at trade shows, it isa conventional practice to utilize various truss and frame structures toassist in erecting and configuring the walls that create the backdropfor a particular vendor's defined booth space. Typically, column andtruss structures are designed so that they are readily collapsible fortransportation to and from trade shows.

With this collapsibility design preference comes requisite structuralfeatures. Intermediate webbing and other forms of cross membering oftenprovide collapsible pivot points for erecting and collapsing the frames.In addition, webbing is often added in an attempt to offset anystructural instability that may develop as a result of thecollapsibility feature, thus providing additional stability along thelength of the frame. Even those frames or trusses that are not designedto collapse or fold implement intermediate webbing to obtain increasedstability. The intermediate webbing generally occupies the internalchannel or space defined by elongated cylindrical, tubular orrectangular principal frame segments, with the webbing generallyextending the length of the column or truss intermittently fixed tothese tubing segments.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,351,843, 5,822,945, and 6,149,021 each define columnsor trusses that are designed to be easily folded for portable displaysystems. Each of the patents discloses a column-like structure ofelongated shape with various diagonal webbings. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,711,131and 6,079,178 disclose elongated truss structures for use in displaysystems, where the column-like structures are not collapsibly portable.Instead, intermediate webbing is provided for stability, and in the caseof the '178 patent, for easier stackability.

Intermediate webbing, such as those described above, are a result ofconventional notions of what is required in order to increase stabilityfor these column-like structures. Since these elongated structures areoften necessarily narrow, webbing has been seen as a way of distributingthe weight throughout the frame to prevent buckling while at the sametime eliminating the need for a solid-bodied structure that would bedifficult to transport, heavy, difficult to manipulate, and thuscontrary to the multiple configuration requirements of portable displayconstruction and design. Despite the popularity of these conventionalintermediate webbing techniques, there are inherent drawbacks.

First, intermediate webbing increases the manufacturing and materialcosts of the frames. Second, webbing can be aesthetically unattractive.A distractive and industrial-looking webbed frame structure diminishesthe appearance of the overall display, and ultimately draws the humaneye toward these complicated structures and away from what displayerswant a potential client to focus in on, namely the graphics and displaymaterials. Third, webbing significantly limits the placement options forthose appurtenances with attachment means that extend around theprincipal frame segments. The intermediate webbing is connecting to thetubing segments at a plurality of connection points, there are portionsof the tubing which are unavailable for removably securing variousgrasping attachments (i.e., clamps, clips, shrouds, etc.) since manyattachment means require unobstructed surfaces in order to wrap aroundor clamp on to the tubing segments. In an attempt to combat thislimitation, frames may be constructed with mounting slots machined intothe outer surface of the tubing segments. However, this extra machiningwill, again, significantly increase the manufacturing costs and theaesthetic unattractiveness of the framing.

Consequently, there is a need for columns and truss structures for usein displays that are aesthetically appealing, and cost efficient. Thisbox frame structure must be substantially free of intermediate webbingand other distractive and space limiting members. In addition, this boxframe structure must be of sound structural stability, and capable ofselectively securing removable grasping attachments along substantiallythe entire length of the tubing segments for providing optimalflexibility for incorporating shelves, work tables, video screens,graphic screens and the like. Lastly, the structure must incorporate allof this while at the same time maintaining the ease of construction andconfigurability required of portable display designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An elongated box frame structure of the present invention comprises aplurality of frame segments with webbing attached to each end of theplurality of frame segments and no webbing intermediate the tubing ends.The plurality of frame segments are attached to the end piece such thata column-like structure is formed. The inner space defined within theframe segments is substantially free of webbing. Instead, structuralstrength and stability is achieved by the end webbing. The end of oneelongated box frame structure is capable of removably connecting withthe end piece of other similar elongated box frame structures to achievevarying framing heights and other dynamic configurations.

The absence of webbing and other cross-membering intermediate the endsis a significant feature and advantage that in itself generates otherfeatures and advantages.

A significant feature and advantage of utilizing an elongated box frameassembly free of webbing is that it is aesthetically appealing. Visualappeal is essential in trade show displays and other exhibitionenvironments.

Another significant feature and advantage of eliminating webbing in thepresent invention is that manufacturing and material costs aresignificantly reduced since fewer components are required. Reducedcomponents provide a benefit to the end user as well by simplifyingassembly and disassembly.

A further feature and advantage of a webbing-free frame structureaccording to the present invention centers around frame attachments,such as shelving. The absence of space limiting webbing means that thereare significantly more attachment and grasping points along the entirelength of each frame segment. As a result, a valuable proliferation inconfiguration options is made available to the end user.

The following U.S. patent applications are being filed by the sameapplicant on the same day as this application and are herebyincorporated by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,098,entitled “DISPLAY WITH APPURTENANCE ATTACHMENT”; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/953,099, entitled “SCREEN MOUNTING APPARATUS”; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/953,113, entitled “MODULAR MULTI-CONFIGURABLEDISPLAY SYSTEM”.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the box frame column and box frame trussin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a box frame column member in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a framework for a display backwall in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display back wall including graphicdisplay screens.

FIG. 5 a is a plan view of a stamping for forming an end webbing.

FIG. 5 b is a perspective view of the piece of FIG. 5 a suitably bentfor an end webbing in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a vertical column member inaccordance with the invention herein with a table adjustably mountedhereto.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lower portion of a box frame memberattached to a truss member with an attached graphic screen in accordancewith the invention herein.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a box frame column member and attachedappurtenances in accordance with the invention herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, embodiments of the invention areillustrated. Specifically referring to FIG. 2, an elongated box frame 20is illustrated and is generally comprised of four frame segments 22 allof equal dimensions, and a pair of end webbings 26. Each frame segmenthas a first end 27 and a second end 28. The frame segments, in thisembodiment, extend to a first end 30 and second end 31 of the box frame.Each end of the elongated box frame has connecting portions 32configured as sockets that are open for receiving male connectorportions or connector pieces 38 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Threadedportions 40 configured as nuts are welded onto the ends 44 of theindividual frame segments 22.

The connector pieces 38 generally comprise a central body section 50 andarrowed connecting segments 52 which have dimples 54 for assistingpositioning of set screws 56. Threaded bores 60 may be utilized toconnect threaded feet 64 or other appurtenances.

Referring to FIG. 1 the connectors 38 also engage the horizontal trussmember 70. Said truss member similarly has open sockets 72 at the endsof the square tubing for receiving the connector 38. End webbing 76which is U-shaped in an embodiment which provides complete access tothree sides 78 of the truss frame segments 80. The fourth side 82 hasaccess on both sides of the connection point 86 of the U-shaped memberto the truss frame segment 80.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 a, and 5 b, details of the end webbing 26 areillustrated. The end webbing 26 is positioned at the ends 30, 31 of thebox frame and is appropriately permanently attached to the box framesegments such as by welding. FIG. 5 a illustrates a suitable stampingfor formation of the end webbing. The dashed lines 90 illustrate thebend lines 92 which join the sides 94 of the webbing to the top surface96 of the horizontal plate portion 97. The webbing piece has four insetcorners 98 for each frame segment and a vertical portion 99, extendingparallel to the frame segments, which when welded to the frame segments,significantly enhances the strength of the box frame. A central aperture102 lightens the structure without significantly reducing the strengthof the webbing and further provides an aesthetically pleasingconfiguration. The box frame has an axis a of which the frame segmentsand aperture are centered about. Although the end “webbing” asillustrated is formed of a single unitary piece, it is also contemplatedthat the webbing could be formed of individual strips bridging adjacentframe segments. Thus “webbing” is defined as the structure securingsegments together, whether a single unitary piece or multiple pieces.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, various appurtenances that may beattached to the elongated box frames are illustrated. It is verydesirable to be able to attach these appurtenances and others at anydesired location intermediate the ends of the box frames. As illustratedin FIG. 6, a table utilizing a clamp for attaching said table 104 to apair 105 of frame segments along any desired position as indicated bythe arrow 106. Significantly, the elongated box frames have anintermediate portion 89 positioned intermediate the box frame ends; saidintermediate portion does not have any webbing or bracing. Thisfacilitates four “clean” frame segments for variable positioning ofappurtenances, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, and for providing anaesthetically pleasing and uncluttered look. In an ideal embodiment theclean intermediate portion without webbing will constitute 70 percent ormore of the length of the box frame.

FIG. 7 illustrates a screen 110 which is suitably attached by way ofindividual tabs at the ends 108 or sides of the screen 110. Such anappurtenance and the attachment means thereof are explained in greaterdetail in the related Applications incorporated by reference describedabove and filed on the same filing date as this application. FIG. 8illustrates brackets for holding the appurtenances such as shelves whichare attached by way of circumferential hooked bracket attachment sleeves110. Said sleeves can wrap around the entire length of the box frame toprovide an aesthetically pleasing and simple slotted structure forattaching said appurtenance brackets wherever desired, or they can bepositioned on specific portions of the frame segments.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it istherefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention

1. An elongated box frame assembly for use in constructing displays,comprising: a plurality of frame tubing segments, each of the pluralityof frame tubing segments having a first end portion and a second endportion; and a first end piece webbing secured to the first endportions, a second end piece webbing secured to the second end portions,the first and the second end piece webbings having a top plate portionand plurality of side plate portions, each of the plurality of sideplate portions being generally transverse to said top plate portion, andeach of the plurality of side plate portions operably connected to twoadjacent frame tubing segments in a plane generally parallel to the twoadjacent frame tubing segments for bridging support.
 2. The frameassembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame tubing segments areof a general rectangular cross-section.
 3. The frame assembly claim 1,wherein each top plate of the first end and second end piece webbingsincludes a central aperture.
 4. The frame assembly of claim 1, whereineach top plate portion of the first end and second end piece webbingsincludes a plurality of inset corners for attachment to the plurality offrame tubing segments.
 5. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the end piece webbings is fixedly attached to one of theplurality of frame tubing segments using welding techniques.
 6. Theframe assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame tubingsegments are substantially without bracing intermediate the end piecewebbings, such that the plurality of frame tubing segments aresubstantially smooth and free of obstructions along the length betweenthe first end portion and the second end portion.
 7. The frame assemblyof claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame tubing segments are made of amaterial selected from a group consisting of: polymeric and metallic. 8.The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of frametubing segments is substantially hollow.
 9. The frame assembly of claim1, wherein the securement of the end piece webbings to the plurality offrame tubing segments forms a frame assembly removably connectable to asubstantially similar second frame assembly.
 10. The frame assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the removable connectability of the frame assemblies isachieved with fastening means.
 11. A box frame for a display comprisinga plurality of frame tubing segments and end webbing connected to endsthereof, the end webbing having a top plate and a plurality of sideplates, each of the plurality of side plates being generally transverseto said top plate, and each of the plurality of side plates beingoperably connected to two adjacent frame tubing segments for bridgingsupport, the box frame having a top and a bottom, each box frame havinga plurality of sockets for receiving connectors for connection to otherdisplay components.
 12. The box frame of claim 11, wherein the pluralityof frame tubing segments are of general rectangular cross-section. 13.The box frame of claim 11, wherein the top plate of the end webbingincludes a central aperture.
 14. The box frame of claim 11, wherein thetop plate of the end webbing includes plurality of inset corners forattachment to the plurality of frame tubing segments.
 15. A method ofmaking a box frame for use in constructing a display, comprising thesteps of: providing a plurality of frame tubing segments, each of theplurality of frame tubing segments having a first end portion and asecond end portion; providing at least one end piece webbing having atop plate portion and a peripheral edge, the at least one end piecewebbing capable of securement to the plurality of frame tubing segmentsgenerally adjacent to the first end portion; forming a plurality of sideplate portions in the at least one end piece webbing by bending aportion of the at least one end piece webbing proximate the peripheraledge along a bend line; and securing the formed at least one end piecewebbing to at least one of the end portions of the plurality of frametubing segments to provide bridging support.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the step of providing at least one end piece webbing furtherincludes providing the at least one end piece webbing having a pluralityof inset corners to facilitate attachment of the at least one end piecewebbing to the plurality of frame tubing segments.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the step of providing at least one end piece webbingfurther includes providing the at least one end piece webbing having acentral aperture extending therethrough.
 18. The method of claim 15,further including the step of providing a second end piece webbingsecurable to the second end portions of the plurality of frame tubingsegments.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of providing asecond end piece webbing further includes providing the second end piecewebbing having a plurality of inset corners to facilitate attachment ofthe second end piece webbing to the plurality of frame tubing segments.20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of providing a second endpiece webbing further includes providing the at least second end piecewebbing having a central aperture extending therethrough.